The United States Trade Tasting (USATT) Conference, scheduled to take place next year in New York City on May 15-16, 2018, is the premier place for attendees to learn about important new trends in the U.S. marketplace, network with industry professionals and establish the kinds of connections that will help drive future business success.

The 2018 event will build on the phenomenal success of the May 2017 event, which saw a record number of both attendees and exhibitors. Overall, more than 2,000 people attended the two-day event, and more than 130 exhibitors displayed their products in a Grand Tasting Hall at the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York. 

During the 2017 event, there were well-attended masterclasses for the wines of Tejo in Portugal and the Loess Plateau in China, as well as a full two-day conference lineup featuring some of the biggest names in the wine and spirits industry.

In 2018, the USATT conference will expand further to include programs for sommeliers and retailers, special workshops for distributors, and an early look at new products from the legalized marijuana industry. USATT 2018 is already shaping up to be the best event yet. As in previous years, it will feature the same great mix of high-quality and innovative products. And now it will include even more opportunities to try out new products in an exciting, immersive environment.

Moreover, there will be many opportunities to network with fellow professionals and get advice from leaders in the industry. In 2017, two days of panel discussions and guest speakers often led to a very vibrant exchange of ideas between speakers and participants. There were many opportunities for people to interact with speakers both on-stage and off-stage in order to ask them very specific questions about ways to grow their business.

Next year, USATT is planning to include even more spirits and craft beers – both within the Grand Tasting Hall and as featured participants in workshops and hands-on sessions. And there will be plenty of opportunities to experience them in a very immersive environment. For example, there will be a World Whisky Masterclass and a workshop on “Profitable Mixology.” If you are a bartender or sommelier, these are must-attend events.

And for importers and distributors, there will be even more of an emphasis on how to develop and grow a profitable distribution business within the U.S. marketplace. For example, on the first day of USATT 2018, there will be a session (“Distribution Business 101”) that will focus on the insights, strategies, and tips to grow a distribution business. If you are new to the U.S. market, this is a chance to walk away with very actionable next steps.

Ultimately, attending USATT 2018 is all about becoming part of the conversation surrounding the future direction of the U.S. wine and spirits industry. Throughout the two-day event, there will be plenty of opportunities to build relationships among all tiers of the trade. And the Grand Tasting Hall promises to be an exciting place to discover new brands, new products and new wine regions of the world.

If you would like to attend USATT 2018, Register Here.